Arabian Night

Frankly, we get a little bored with the whole Miss America thing -- and we're not even talking Donald Trump.Year after year, America's most major pageant features the same old stuff: huge hair, sparkles, swimsuits. We get it.

But dammit if the Miss Arab USA 2013 pageant hasn't piqued our interest. Women who vie for the crown must speak fluent Arabic and make it through rounds of judging before being selected (or not) for the final five who will compete in a full-fledged pageant on August 31. The winner gets some sweet prizes, in addition to the requisite crown and sash, including a cameo in an upcoming Akon video. Not too shabs.

Check out the competition Saturday, August 31, at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 East Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale. Tickets are $35 and up via www.missarab.org.